Abstract
Abstract
Background
Up-to-date recommendations for the safe practice of acupuncture in integrative oncology are overdue with new cancer treatments and an increase in survivors with late effects of disease; 17 years have elapsed since Filshie and Hester’s 2006 guidelines. During 2022/2023 an expert panel assembled to produce updated recommendations aiming to facilitate safe and appropriate care by acupuncturists working with people with cancer.
Methods
A core development team comprising three integrative oncology professionals comprehensively updated pre-existing unpublished recommendations. Twelve invited international experts (senior acupuncturists with and without experience of working in oncology settings, oncologists, physicians and nurses trained in integrative oncology, researchers, academics, and professional body representatives) reviewed the recommendations. In multiple iterations, the core team harmonised comments for final ratification. To aid dissemination and uptake the panel represents national and international integrative oncology associations and major cancer treatment centres in Europe, USA, Australia, and the Middle East.
Results
These recommendations facilitate safe care by articulating contra-indications, cautions, and risks for patients both on and off treatment (surgery, SACT, radiotherapy). Situations where acupuncture may be contra-indicated or practices need adapting are identified. “Red and Amber Flags” highlight where urgent referral is essential.
Conclusion
These are the first international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed recommendations for safe acupuncture practice in integrative oncology. Concerns about safety remain a significant barrier to appropriate referral from oncology teams, to use by acupuncturists and to uptake by patients. Disseminating trustworthy, widely accessible guidance should facilitate informed, confident practice of acupuncture in and outside of oncology healthcare settings.
Funder
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust Research and Development
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference49 articles.
1. Allesandra G, Kennedy N, Ruwayda P, Inge P, Liz G, Lindsay F, Sridhar V, Richard H (2020) The empirical evidence underpinning the concept and practice of person-centred care for serious illness: a systematic review. BMJ Global Health 5(12):e003330. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003330
2. Department of Health, Macmillan Cancer Support, NHS Improvement (2010) The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative Vision. Department of Health, London. Available from: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20130123201114/http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_111230. Accessed 26 Jan 2024
3. National Comprehensive Cancer Network I (2023) NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Cancer Related Fatigue V.2.2023. Available from: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/fatigue.pdf. Accessed 4 Apr 2023
4. Greenlee H, DuPont-Reyes MJ, Balneaves LG, Carlson LE, Cohen MR, Deng G, Johnson JA, Mumber M, Seely D, Zick SM, Boyce LM, Tripathy D (2017) Clinical practice guidelines on the evidence-based use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment. CA Cancer J Clin 67(3):194–232. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21397
5. National Comprehensive Cancer Network I (2023) NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) Adult Cancer Pain Version 1.2023. Available from: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/pain.pdf. Accessed 4 Apr 2023
Cited by
3 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献，注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献，订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献